Peony peony where have you been? Revisited

Well, these buds seem to have been taking their time opening but at last they are getting there. Their true beauty is beginning to emerge now and I am looking forward to the spectacular emerging of all the buds being open at once.

It's rather nice to think that I am already halfway through my working week and I've only worked one day. It is mega busy time with A level coursework though so I am up to my eyes in "Taming of the Shrew" essays. The ones I've looked at tonight have been distinctly average on the whole but I did finish the evening marking with one that restored my faith in the youth of today!